Morello Racing Kawasaki sign Elliott and Clarke for 2018

Team Green backed Morello Racing Kawasaki will be gunning for Championship success once again in 2018 having signed previous Champion Josh Elliott and young gun Sam Clarke to compete in the National Superstock 1000 class. Having won the title twice before, including once with Elliott himself in 2015, the team certainly have the pedigree, and the experience with the awesome Ninja ZX-10RR to go for the hat-trick next season.

Team owner, Steve Buckenham is excited at the prospect of Elliott returning to his outfit, saying: “I'm delighted to announce our new team line-up and with two young and hungry riders, I'm excited about our chances in 2018. We've been chasing Josh for some time now as we were keen to get him back on board with us and we're confident he can emulate what Danny did for us in 2017 and better what he himself achieved in 2015. We know what makes him tick and are confident he'll be contesting the title from the word go.”

“In young Sam, I see a lot of potential and considering he wasn't seeing the majority of the tracks this year until Thursday evening or Friday morning, I was very impressed with how he performed. He trains hard and is eager to learn so I think he'll surprise a lot of people next year. We had a lot of riders contacting us with regards to 2018 but I'm pleased with the choices we've made and whilst next season will be a new adventure for us, I'm really looking forward to getting going again.”

Elliott was equally as enthused at the prospect of going for a Second title: “I'm delighted to be back with Steve and Morello Racing and they've given me a great opportunity to win my second title. I know it'll be a tough season so I won't be underestimating anyone and I know I'll need to be at the top of my game but Steve's put together a great package and I want to be winning races again. Missing the first part of 2017 was tough so it's nice to have everything secured nice and early and having seen what Danny did on the Kawasaki ZX-10R, I'm looking forward to following in his footsteps. The bike feels great and I'm excited about the year ahead so I can't wait to go testing and get the ball rolling.”

Clarke, moving into only his Second year in not only the class, but the UK full stop is upbeat about his chances: “I'm really excited to be with Morello Racing and signing for the Championship-winning team is a great opportunity for me. My first year in the UK was quite a challenge, especially learning all the circuits on a race weekend but it will stand me in good stead for 2018 and I'm looking forward to working with the team. Sixth place at the final round this year was a terrific boost for me and I want to be pushing for top six positions at each and every round and hopefully get a few podiums as well. I know I've still got plenty to learn but I can't wait for the new season to come around so a big thank you to Steve and everyone at Morello Racing.”

Senior Racing Co-ordinator for Kawasaki Motors UK, Ross Burridge was also optimistic about the team's chances, saying: “The Morello guys have done a fantastic job for us this year, dominating the Championship with a perfectly prepared bike week in week out. They have two great new riders on board, and I am excited to see if they can go for an unprecedented hat-trick of Superstock 1000 Championship wins!”